Anne defending her father was admirable. It would earn her good standing in the everlasting before the Almighty. It didn't change the fact that Ben Ward had the child rearing skills of a kipper. Come to think of it, William Blacke's were not much improved beyond it.

"Anne, it takes alot of people to help raise kids proper, especially for someone doin' it alone like yer da."

Anne standing there on the brink of tears, holding herself, tugged at Lottie's breast. This is why she cared.

"So, as yer sort-of-mum, thats why I'm doin' this. What would ye like? Yer allowed ta want things. A new hat? Fresh ribbon. Another dress if ye get dirty. I'd fix it for ye."